Royal Challengers Bangalore in big trouble before IPL Season 10. Image Source: imgrum.net[/caption]Internet Desk: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) coach Daniel Vettori will be the most worried man at the moment. With just 4 days to go for their IPL X season opener against defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad, the Challengers may be in line for another blow. Star batsman AB de Villiers on Friday skipped the final of the premier domestic 50 overs tournament of the country, owing to a back pain. The South African batsman opted out for his team Multiply Titans in the MODC final against Warriors, played at the Super Sport Park in Centurion.
The extent of De Villiers’ injury has not been confirmed by either the player or the cricket board. May be the swashbuckling batman was preserving himself for the cash rich IPL. De Villiers was supposed to lead the Challengers in the absence of Virat Kohli, who has been sidelined after a shoulder injury during the recently concluded test series against Australia. With Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc already opting out of the tournament, AB’s absence will be major blow to the title aspiration of the Challengers.
Shane Watson could end up leading the side in the absence of AB for the IPL opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 05.
In spite of the absence of AB de Villiers, Titans emerged as the champions of MODC final. Thrilling centuries by Aiden Markram and Henry Davids laid the foundation for the Multiply Titans for a huge 236 runs win against Warriors. Chasing a huge 425 runs to win the Warriors succumbed to 189 runs in 31 overs.
Markram clubbed 161 (123 balls, 11 fours, 7 sixes) and Davids smashed 114 (98 balls, 13 fours, 4 sixes) as the pair helped the hosts pile up 425/5 – the highest total in franchise cricket history.
There were further meaningful contributions from Heinrich Klaasen, a late inclusion in the team after AB de Villiers missed out due to a back injury, with the wicketkeeper making 60 (50 balls, 1 four, 2 sixes), while Chris Morris plundered six sixes in an unbeaten 47 from a mere 12 deliveries.
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